Top Half-day Tours

The Loire Valley is notable for its wines, and this tasting tour offers a guided introduction to local wineries in the Vouvray appellation. Visit two local wineries, meet the producers, and learn proper wine-tasting techniques to compare different flavors and fragrances. Enjoy stunning views of the Loire River while exploring this terroir.

Check off two unmissable Loire Valley attractions in one morning on this half-day tour—and make it back to Tours in time for lunch. Start with a visit to the 16th-century Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, renowned as one of the earliest examples of French Renaissance architecture, then admire the magnificent landscaped gardens of the Château de Villandry on a guided walking tour.

No visit to the Loire Valley region is complete without a winery visit, and this experience makes it easy with guided tours and tastings at two local wine estates. With a regional wine expert as your host, you'll learn all about the 'terroir' as you walk through the vineyards, and discover the local food, too, with samples of cheese and other delicacies.

Discover the enchanting Loire Valley with a full-day guided tour of Château du Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and the royal Château d'Amboise. Begin your journey at Clos Lucé, exploring Leonardo’s private world, including his workshops and gardens filled with working models of his inventions. Enjoy free time for lunch in the picturesque town of Amboise before visiting the majestic Château Royal d'Amboise. Here, your guide will share captivating tales of royal life as you explore its iconic rooms and gardens with breathtaking views of the Loire River. - Full-day guided tour from Tours, available in English only - Visit the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci and explore his gardens - Enjoy free time for lunch in the charming town of Amboise - Discover the grandeur of Château Royal d'Amboise with a knowledgeable guide

On this immersive tour, you will discover the heart of the Vouvray appellation, celebrated for its exquisite Chenin Blanc wines. Throughout your excursion, you'll be guided by a knowledgeable and English-speaking local guide, expert in Loire Valley wines. The Vouvray vineyards are strategically situated along the northern banks of the Loire River, just east of the charming town of Tours. The region's unique terroir boasts a mosaic of soils, resulting in a dynamic range of flavors and styles in its wines. Chenin Blanc reigns supreme in Vouvray, contributing to the region's reputation for producing some of the world's most versatile white wines. On this half-day tour you will visit 2 carefully selected local wineries, where you'll have the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of winemaking. At each winery, you'll be treated to a selection of their finest offerings. Let your taste buds dance with the flavors of fresh fruit, floral notes, and the unique terroir of the region.

Enjoy an intimate, grape-to-wine tour of the ins and outs of wine production in the stunning Loire Valley. Go behind the scenes in a family-run Vouvray vineyard, and enjoy a guided walk through the vines, winery, and rock-hewn cellar. Get an exclusive taste of different wine varieties, accompanied by fresh local amuse-bouches. Tours are capped at 12 people for personalized attention.

Experience the magnificent Chateau de Chambord on this private half day trip from Tours France. Discover the Preserved Heritage of the Loire Valley with our guide and admire French Renaissance architecture and the double-helix staircase.

Experience a seamless half-day journey from Tours to the stunning Azay-le-Rideau Castle, ideal for history lovers seeking a guided, stress-free Loire Valley adventure. Begin with pick-up in central Tours and meet your expert English-speaking guide for a scenic drive through charming villages and river landscapes. Discover the Renaissance beauty of Azay-le-Rideau on a guided tour revealing its rich history, elegant interiors, spiral staircases, and famous “mirror of water” reflections on the Indre River. Learn hidden stories and architectural highlights that bring the château’s royal past to life. Enjoy free time to wander the gardens, capture photos, or explore at your own pace before returning comfortably to Tours. This experience includes round-trip transport, entry tickets, and a dedicated guide for an enriching, memorable morning in the Loire Valley.

Enjoy a unique tour to Château de Chenonceau in the heart of the Loire Valley. On this private half day trip to the Chenonceau castle you will discover one of the most elegant Chateaus of the Loire. Experience if our guide a private Guided visit of the interior, Green Study & Gallery.

The sweeping vineyards, lush forests and fairy-tale castles of the Loire Valley are even more impressive from above and this 3-hour hot-air balloon experience is the ideal way to enjoy an aerial view. Float over the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire, Indre or Cher Valleys; spot landmarks like the Chateau of Chenonceau or the gardens of Villandry; then toast your safe landing with a glass of Champagne or sparkling grape juice.

Discover the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley, sample regional wines, and visit two magnificent châteaux on this full-day tour. Traveling in a small group ensures a more personalized experience as you visit Chambord and Chenonceau Castles and enjoy guided wine tastings at each venue.

Embark on an unusual ride aboard a comfortable vintage sidecar. Your gentleman sider will make you discover the unmissable places of Amboise and Tours by traversing magnificent vineyards.

Embark on an unusual ride aboard a comfortable vintage sidecar. Your gentleman sider will help you discover the must-see places between Tours and Azay-le-Rideau along the water

Embark on an exclusive 2-hour private walking tour of Amboise, a picturesque town along the Loire River in France. Start at the magnificent Château d'Amboise with its panoramic views and historical significance, then stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, lined with historic buildings and artisan shops. Visit Clos Lucé, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci, and explore its fascinating exhibits. Conclude with a serene walk along the scenic Loire River promenade. With a knowledgeable guide providing insightful commentary, this curated itinerary offers an immersive experience of Amboise's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Book now to enjoy a personalized and unforgettable journey through this enchanting town.

Explore the grounds of the Chateau de Chenonceau on a guided walking tour. Learn about women’s history, people’s beliefs, mysterious graffiti, and much more about the chateau. Check out the interior and grounds as you listen to the fascinating stories the guide tells based on your preference.

Savor views of the beautiful Loire Valley from an unbeatable vantage point – on a hot air balloon ride! Soar over the fairy-tale châteaux, sweeping vineyards and winding waterways of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley on a thrilling 1-hour flight. Spot iconic landmarks like the Château de Chenonceau and Amboise castle from above, then toast your safe landing with a glass of Champagne.

The DE Last Secret of the Renaissance Revealed Imagine discovering the most mysterious castle DE la Loire , THE secret laboratory where the French Renaissance was born. While DE millions of visitors flock to the famous castles, you will enter the privacy of the place where it all began. Our walk DE will take us to this 15 hectare royal estate, a true setting of EN affaisaisance art that Charles VIII himself described as "Only Adam and Eve are missing in this wonderful place to make it the new Eden".Every step in the gardens takes you where Dom Pacello, the "Léonard DE Jardins", planted the first orange trees in France. DE Marie Stuart’s intimate conversations on her royal honeymoon still echo in the Queen’s room. This is your unique chance DE relive history before it becomes "too" touristy.Here you breathe in the fragrances DE orange blossoms that intoxicated Charles VIII.

This is a site with many stories: I'll talk about a wide range of subjects including the stories of the women associated with this site, medieval personal hygiene, social status of mistresses, a very famous prisoner, historic graffiti and medieval weapons. My background is not art history, but collections care and the behind the scenes management of historic sites.